Everything you need to know about Medicare

medicare made easy

a complete guide to plan options & benefits

Throughout the recent health care debate, Americans heard that health reform could weaken or even wipe out Medicare. Now, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, experts say the reforms will likely strengthen Medicare and extend its life to 2029. That's good news, considering that millions of Americans now pay into Medicare through payroll taxes and are anxiously waiting to become eligible for its benefits.

understanding the options is critical

Even if Medicare isn't in your immediate future, learning about its coverage options should be a top priority. With a growing Silver Sneakers population, it's likely you'll end up helping a friend or family member navigate Medicare's confusing maze of coverage options.

The Medicare Resource Center is your guide through that maze, featuring an extensive collection of resources:

new series in our Medicare blog

Medigap direct mail it's a mad, mad, Medicare system

Join contributer Glenn Tornell on his journey to the "dark side of 64" ...All I know about Medicare is what I read in the papers. And it all seems very depressing.
More...

PART 1: our protagonist gets Mad (the magazine)

PART 2: Medicare: a good deal for seniors, politicians and crooks

PART 3: How Medicare made me a (prescription) drug mule

NEW! PART 4: How Medicare supplements bridge Medicare's gaps and why you might want to invest in a paper shredder

about the medicare resource center

A project of healthinsurance.org, which was founded in 1994 as the Internet's oldest, most-trusted independent site offering consumers information on affordable medical coverage. We've worked hard to earn consumers' respect and loyalty. More...

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medicare enrollment

Medicare open enrollment deadline fast approaching


If you're considering changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage, time is running out. The first of two open enrollment periods ends December 7. A second open enrollment period starts January 1 and ends on Valentine's Day, February 14. More...

Medicare out-of-pocket costs

ten expenses you'll pay

medicare-advantage-subsidiesNew Medicare enrollees may feel relief to know they're guaranteed health insurance coverage for the rest of their lives, but enrollees often don't realize that there are many expenses they'll still have to pay for as a beneficiary. Some are fairly obvious, but others are hidden amid bureaucratic small print. More...